Gyotaku Fish Printing

Gyotaku Fish Printing

Learn About Bushido, the Way of the Samurai

Join us at the Petworth Library on Wednesday, April 25 at 4 p.m. for a special presentation by the National Geographic Museum in conjunction with the museum's exhibit Samurai: Warrior Transformed. Samurai warriors followed Bushido, the way of the samurai. This philosophy encouraged warriors to follow the "twin ways," martial arts as well as peaceful or cultural arts. By mastering pursuits such as painting, calligraphy and flower arranging in addition to archery and swordsmanship, a samurai cultivated his spirit and mind, thus becoming a better warrior.

Gyotaku, one of the peaceful arts, is the traditional form of Japanese fish printmaking; gyo means "fish" and taku means "rubbing." A time-honored tradition, it began with fishermen looking to record their most impressive catches. Today, the practice continues not only to document sea life but to preserve the beauty of the art form. We will be using plastic fish.

This activity is for children ages 8 and up, but younger children can do the program with adult assistance. Groups, please call 202-243-1188 to register.Make sure to stop by the children's room and check out some books on Samurai, and Japanese art and culture and get a coloring page!